Carmela J. Blomstrom

Born on July 16, 1931, in the Bronx to Italian immigrants Mary Valentino Bovio and Pasquale Bovio, Carmela was raised on Arthur Avenue during the Great Depression. One of four devoted sisters, she grew up surrounded by family, faith, music, and resilience—values that shaped her entire life.

Family was the center of Minna’s world. She cared for her parents, supported her sisters in raising their children, and in 1963 married Gustaf “Gus” Blomstrom. Together they raised sons, Peter and Paul, and she was a loving stepmother to Bob and Nancy. Minna was Grandma to Rob and Doug, Gammy to Kim and Bev, Gramma to Teddy and great Grandma (GG) to Hayley, Krista, Melissa, Scott, Hannah, Robbie, Matthew & JD—titles she wore with delight.

Minna had a beautiful soprano voice and performed alongside her sisters in local shows, carrying her love of music throughout her life and passing it on to her sons, Peter and Paul and her grandson, Teddy. She was also a talented artist who enjoyed painting scenes from her beloved home on Staten Island. A devout Roman Catholic, her faith was a steady source of strength and comfort.

Independent, strong, and deeply loyal, Minna lived on her own into her 90s and embraced life with curiosity—even mastering video calls to stay connected during the pandemic.

She is remembered for her faith, her music, her cooking, and her unwavering devotion to family. Carmela is reunited with those who went before her and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.